Is there an alternative tool to an air chisel for removing kitchen backsplashes?

[Puppies04]

Edit: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!! The tile chips are razor sharp.

YOLO

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

OP, just thought I'd mention, you can rent tools that you only need for a short time.

Also, pawn shops are a great place to find cheap tools.

 

[MarkXIX]

Another vote for remove the drywall or wall material it's attached to and re-install from there. Much easier in the end.

 

[Greenman]

Another vote for remove the drywall or wall material it's attached to and re-install from there. Much easier in the end.

That all depends on how well the tile is attached. I've done a couple splashes where the adhesive barley bonded to the substrate. Removing the tile was easy, and the walls only needed minor repairs. In this case, it's best to finish step one before starting step two.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

I would imagine any tile removing process to be akin to straight demolition. Expect whatever the tile is mounted on to be destroyed and expect to put a new underlayment. As such, the removal can afford a degree of messiness (amateur hour) but assume new drywall or concrete board will be installed.

But considering how far some back-splashes travel up the wall, they may encroach upon the bottom portion of the upper cabinetry. This is a decision you'll need to make in terms of removing the upper cabinets or not. If you are in a tract home from the past 20 years then chances are the existing tile is crap.

Actually, the drywall, tile, finished and rough carpentry are all crap in my home.

 

[alkemyst]

YOLO

You Only Love Owls.

Please sit down son.

 

[alkemyst]

That all depends on how well the tile is attached. I've done a couple splashes where the adhesive barley bonded to the substrate. Removing the tile was easy, and the walls only needed minor repairs. In this case, it's best to finish step one before starting step two.

QFT...most aren't put on so good.

This is why in our remodeling times they sell things like the Oscilating tools out there. They work really well to remove things not properly placed.

Which is typical in these threads.

 

[paperfist]

Have some fun, smash it with a hammer and you're set. You'll have to repair what is behind it anyway.